Batanes “The Home of the Winds” explored by Ernestina Jacinto
Batanes, located at the northernmost part of the Philippines, and 100km south of Taiwan, It is called the home of the winds
The Island is known for its zero crime rate, it is not unusual that before you even notice that you’ve misplaced you wallet, someone is already returning it to you. They only farm organic foods there, and even the ants did not get near our sugar coated biscuits we brought with us from Manila.
Their population is only about 15,000 and almost everyone knew each other, our tour guide who was an Ivatan (A native of batanes) waved and smiled to people countless times in a day.
A famous product called vakul is a native hat that protects the Ivatana’s head and back from the sun, wind and rain.
Staple food in Batanes is the dried fish, also known as daing, we had it for breakfast, it was only half a day old, the freshest ‘ve had! Having eaten their simple and tasteful Filipino meals, theyve mastered their pinoy cooking!
The natives live peacefully and “content†is written all over their faces. Even the carabaos look healthy and happy. This is just the perfect place to fine-tune our energies.
We were very lucky to meet some inspiring people. A couple, Mr and Mrs Kabison, the husband is a cripple and his wife is blind, we found them in a pedicab, He still had good eyesight and would give directions to his wife, who had strong legs, and she did the peddling. This is how they got around their town.
There also was the most photographed woman in Batanas, Florestida Estrella, every tourist is sure to visit her and have a picture of her, as she also inhabits the oldest house in Ivana called the dakaya’s house. There are approximately 2,000 tourists a year visiting Batanes since 2004, and every year it increases.
We went to 3 lighthouses in Batanes, the Basco lighthouse, the Naidi Hills lighthouse and the Mahatao lighthouse, all of them are simply captivating!
Houses were made of lime and stone, facade structures of the churches were similar, just a few of the distinct features of the town.
The scenery is just majestic! The world class views can surely put Batanes in the league with Switzerland and Austria. When on top of the mountains, you’ll get a chance to see nature in all its glory, this is one of my personal depictions of what heaven could look like.
Batanes, home of such beautiful souls and breathtaking views, an ideal vacation place, an inspiring city, and a wonderful home were very lucky its in the Philippines. I fell inlove with Batanes, I still am!
